The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: jargo432 on May 30, 2014, 01:18:39 AM

Title: Any other pilots out there
Post by: jargo432 on May 30, 2014, 01:18:39 AM
Years ago I had the big idea of become a commerical pilot.  I got my PPL and had started on my IR, when I found out how much new pilots make.  That was the end of it for me.  (no way to support a family on that)  Every few years I get current and fly for a while just to keep my license, but the cost keeps me away most of the time.

Just wondering if anyone here uses a plane for forestry purposes.  Now that would be the best of both worlds.  :)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: dukndog on May 30, 2014, 07:15:28 AM
PPL here...no fancy stuff. Still work for a living and fly when I need a release from the "real world"!

Rich Miller
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pineywoods on May 30, 2014, 10:38:59 AM
There's a few of us aviators on here..Commercial and instrument rating, but never flew for hire. Wife got her private, we had a lot on the taxiway at a small private strip. Sold the plane when the kids started college, got out of aviation except for the big annual EAA fly-in up in wisconsin. Still go every year, only missed it twice in 40 years..
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pine on May 30, 2014, 11:29:10 AM
Quote from: jargo432 on May 30, 2014, 01:18:39 AM

Just wondering if anyone here uses a plane for forestry purposes.  Now that would be the best of both worlds.  :)

Helicopter logging is the closest that I know of.  Specialized and only done when there is no other option for normal logging ops.

Have heard proposed timber cruises being accomplished with aerial mapping and fancy software but have not heard of it being actually done yet. I have my doubts however as to its efficacy.  Some one on here may know more about it. 
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: PineNut on May 30, 2014, 01:31:03 PM
I had my fun flying. Rated single & multiengine land with instrument and a type rating in Convair 240, 340 and 440 aircraft. Had about 10,000 hours when I retired from the Air Force in 1980. I haven't flown as a pilot since then. Not that I wouldn't like to continue to fly but now it would be with my own nickel. I could make my money go much further doing other things I like to do. I thought about flying commercial but when I saw salary, working hours and that I may not be able to live where I wanted to live, I decided I would hang up my wings.   
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: dukndog on May 30, 2014, 01:52:31 PM
Sooo....from the posts so far...If'n ur name starts with "Pine" you're probably a pilot!!
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Roxie on May 30, 2014, 05:12:57 PM
Of course, the rudder pedals are only there to correct for deficiencies in the ailerons.   :)

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: jargo432 on May 30, 2014, 05:48:19 PM
Quote from: Roxie on May 30, 2014, 05:12:57 PM
Of course, the rudder pedals are only there to correct for deficiencies in the ailerons.   :)



Adverse yaw, my favorite subject!
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pine on May 30, 2014, 06:22:00 PM
Quote from: Roxie on May 30, 2014, 05:12:57 PM
Of course, the rudder pedals are only there to correct for deficiencies in the ailerons.   :)

There are/were some aircraft that if you used ailerons at high AOA you would depart controlled flight.  You flew with rudder only at high AOA or paid the price of a departed aircraft.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: ozarkgem on May 30, 2014, 08:05:38 PM
I had a Cherokee 140 , put 250 hrs on it. Sold it to build my house debt free. I would like a bush plane next time around. Something I can land in the pasture. Low and slow for me.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: yukon cornelius on May 30, 2014, 08:43:21 PM
im a pile-it...I pile it here and pile it there. log piles, firewood piles, scrap metal piles, good metal piles, and so on. does that count?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: ozarkgem on May 31, 2014, 05:11:50 AM
Quote from: yukon cornelius on May 30, 2014, 08:43:21 PM
im a pile-it...I pile it here and pile it there. log piles, firewood piles, scrap metal piles, good metal piles, and so on. does that count?
as long as you keep a "log" book.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: jargo432 on May 31, 2014, 09:20:15 AM
Quote from: pine on May 30, 2014, 06:22:00 PM
Quote from: Roxie on May 30, 2014, 05:12:57 PM
Of course, the rudder pedals are only there to correct for deficiencies in the ailerons.   :)

There are/were some aircraft that if you used ailerons at high AOA you would depart controlled flight.  You flew with rudder only at high AOA or paid the price of a departed aircraft.

In a cessna that's how you create a spin.  But a spin's not really uncontrolled in a cessna, you have to hold the rudder in to keep it spinning.  Let off the rudder and it stops spinning nose down.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: boscojmb on June 03, 2014, 09:48:49 PM
Quote from: jargo432 on May 30, 2014, 01:18:39 AM
Just wondering if anyone here uses a plane for forestry purposes.  Now that would be the best of both worlds.  :)
YES!
I spent several years logging / milling in Alaska. I would always fly to spot the next site to set up the mill. I would spot potential mill sites from the air, then check them by snowmobile, then tow the mill in on skis behind a larger snowmobile after a trail was cleared.
We would also spot tracts of standing deadwood for firewood by air.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: thecfarm on June 03, 2014, 10:02:35 PM
Quote from: boscojmb on June 03, 2014, 09:48:49 PM
then tow the mill in on skis behind a larger snowmobile after a trail was cleared.

Interesting. What kind of mill? How was the lumber moved after it was sawed?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: boscojmb on June 03, 2014, 10:53:34 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on June 03, 2014, 10:02:35 PM
Interesting. What kind of mill? How was the lumber moved after it was sawed?
Homemade band mill for dimensional lumber and a bumble bee chanisaw mill for 3 sided cants for cabin building.
Moving the lumber was the easy part. 12' sled behind a snowmobile. The frozen river was the best highway I have ever driven. If I was milling a good distance away, I would use two sleds. I would haul one sled at a time out to the river, then hook them together and haul "doubles" on the river. All together I could haul 4000 Lbs +.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: hardtailjohn on June 04, 2014, 12:20:52 AM
I mostly mechanic.... 30+ years on everything from Cubs to helicopters, but mostly round engines....but also fly. The flight end of things never did that much for me....always loved the machinery end of it. That being said, I still own a Tcraft, Bellanca Cruisair, and Super Cub project..... but typical mechanic, all are apart right now.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on June 06, 2014, 04:14:49 PM
Got my Private in 1994 or 95, Instrument and Commercial in 2001, got my CFI a few years after that (the oral exam and check ride for that made all the others seem like a walk in the park by comparison).  I instructed for a while, but mostly as a hobby - couldn't afford to do it full time.  I still keep the CFI renewed every 2 years, since it's a pain in the neck to get it back once you let it expire (have to go through the whole exam and check ride again). I keep it in case my kids ever get interested in learning.  (which reminds me... My CFI is due for renewal next month. Time to get moving on the online FIRC.)

My wife is a pilot, Private + Instrument. We own a Cessna 172 w/ 180 HP conversion. A great little plane, and has been fairly economical to operate (at least as aircraft go).  We haven't flown much in the past year or so... just too busy with other things.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: den on June 08, 2014, 09:16:29 PM
I was going to be a professional student pilot, when I had a Cessna 172.
My instructor Kevin Mills said he wasn't signing me off any more, go for my check ride or else.
So I went and got my private, then sold the plane in 2000.

I new a guy that own a Navion had a student pilot lic. and about 300hrs.,
I don't think he ever got his private.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on June 09, 2014, 09:15:54 AM
These days, it can be hard to get insurance if you are a "permanent" student pilot.  If you get too much over 100 hours, some insurance companies start to get antsy about you. They must figure there is something wrong if you can't pass the check ride.  We were renting our plane to a woman who kept running into problems:  too busy at work to fit in lessons, then when work got slow, not enough money to pay for it. When time and money finally came together, she blew out her knee, then had another medical issue.  She was up to about 120 hours.  Our agent said the underwriter would keep her on, but only because she had been on for a while and was therefore an "established customer".  If we dropped her from the policy, it was likely we'd have trouble getting her back on - or face rate increases or other requirements and restrictions
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: kevin19343 on June 09, 2014, 08:01:29 PM
I've been a pilot for 19 years. When I started flying it cost around $35 to rent a Cessna 152 for an hour. The price has gone up a little since then. If I ever got serious about flying I would consider get something faster like a Cessna 210 or maybe a Saratoga.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on June 10, 2014, 10:02:50 AM
I'd love to have faster (who wouldn't?) but just can't justify the expense.  As it is, we're debating about taking in a partner (which has its own set of concerns) or just selling our 172 altogether.  The one thing stopping us from selling is that we know that if we sell, we'll never own another plane.  Plus, I'd love to teach my kids to fly someday.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pineywoods on June 11, 2014, 11:24:52 AM
I sold my 4 seat stinson when the kids started to college. If I ever own another plane, it will most likely be a homebuilt, there's some advantages to them, some real nice ones out there
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Woodhauler on June 11, 2014, 07:05:06 PM
I haul wood for a guy that is a pilot for FED EX!!   Makes big money, but loves to cut wood when he is home! He is home 2-3 days out of 7 and i can count on 2-3 loads of wood! Put up like it should be. Loaded 10cd long poplar on him today in  15  minutes.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on June 21, 2014, 09:00:53 PM
Hello,
I am a student pilot. Instructor said solo next time out. Seem to have all the numbers right. Just need to prefect the flair at landing. We did about 8 landings tonight. Flying a Aero Commander Lark with 180 hp.
Using Kings school course. 
Thanks
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on June 21, 2014, 09:05:16 PM
Jargo, I'm not a pilot but I do fly off the handle sometimes. ;D
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on June 21, 2014, 11:18:39 PM
Good luck with it, Marty.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: sandhills on June 22, 2014, 12:40:50 AM
I would love to know how to fly, coolest trip was in a 5 seat cessna flying in Alaska, The pilot let me set in her "co-pilot" seat, I'm kind of a gearhead so man was that cool!  But I also love them small jets, man they take off good, gotta get me one of those!  :) Hope you have a great time with it Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Gadrock on June 26, 2014, 09:58:01 AM
I got my private back in 1969 and started flying everything that I could. Owned 172's Cherokee Sixes, Super Cub with a 180 hp, Bonanza V35B, twin Commanchee, and a few AgTrucks (Cessna Ag plane), plus high altitude gliders.

   Several thousand hours later in powered and several trips above 25,000 in a glider with one to 30,000...well time to quit.

   The last pilot in command by me was in 1992.

   If I had ever been exposed to bush flying like you see in the tv program then that is where I would have been. God put me here growing pine trees now and I do not try to outguess my Master.


Carry on
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on June 28, 2014, 09:25:31 PM
Hello,
Four take off and landings tonight, One with the instructor three all alone  :o. Three greasers all by the numbers. So I am cleared to solo as of tonight.
The next thing is study for the test.
The instructor cut the back out of my shirt, ? That was not in the book.

Thanks,
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Delawhere Jack on June 28, 2014, 10:14:12 PM
Marty, that is awesome. I just have to wonder where they found a spot near Shade Gap flat enough for a landing strip.  ;D

BTW, what's a "greaser"?


Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Papa1stuff on June 29, 2014, 05:27:43 AM
Sounds like a smooth landing to me ;D
When I was learning to fly , my instructor wrote in my log book that I had done five takeoffs and controlled crashes :D
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on July 10, 2014, 08:24:08 AM
A "greaser" is pilot slang for a landing so smooth you can barely tell you set down. Just a couple of "chirps" as the tires touch down.

Congrats on the solo take-offs and landings, Marty. That's a major milestone.

John
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pineywoods on July 10, 2014, 09:21:07 AM
For all airplane lovers, the grandaddy of all air show/airplane gatherings starts july 27 in Oshkosh wis. Upwards of 10,000 airplanes of every kind. The only airworthy B29 bomber will be there, along with the us airforce thunderbirds. Airshow daily starting around 2 pm. Something new..Streaming live video over the internet every day. Go to EAA.ORG and follow the links to airventure. I'll be there, leaving this sunday am. Anybody else going??
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Gadrock on July 10, 2014, 09:45:56 AM
Piney,
    The last EAA trip I had to Wisconsin had us landing in groups of 4. Two aircraft landed side-by-side halfway down the long East-West runway while the other two did the side=by=side landing on the numbers.
    There were as many aircraft parked there as there would be automobiles at a college football game. A requirement was to have an additional listener in the front, because so much information was being handed out it was difficult for a single pilot to keep up with...on his first visit.
    I have seen enough aircraft maneuvers to last a lifetime, until they get to the high precision landing. But up there its a million acres of paved stuff with runways wider than some of the strips I took off on longways.
    We camped out while up there so there was minimal equipment in an airplane. I hope you guys enjoy your trip.

David G

carry on
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Jhenderson on July 10, 2014, 09:35:52 PM
Sold my Maule when the economy took a dive in the mid 2000s. It's the only equipment move I regret. Miss it as much as I'd miss my dog.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pineywoods on July 28, 2014, 08:41:10 PM
It has started, today is the first day and already out of parking space for planes, close to filling up all the car parking lots and campground.  I'm camped in a motorhome right in the middle of everything. A large percentage of the north american avaiation fleet is here along with even more pilots and Lord knows how many wannabe's. The thunderbirds are scheduled for friday, saturday, and sunday airshows. Supposed to be 2 nightime airshows with fireworks. We have been here 2 weeks, working to get everything ready. Not exactly an un-eventful trip. Clogged fuel filter 50 miles south of Rockford Ill and a blown tire 20 miles from destination..I had spares for both..
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Gadrock on July 29, 2014, 11:37:17 AM
Piney I hope you guys have a wonderful event. Although I no longer go there I recognize that is one of the two "places to be" when it comes to aviation. it was enjoyable for me too when I did attend.

But I am getting prepared to be at the Pig Roast in a couple days, seeing a part of the country I have never seen.

David G

carry on
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Randy88 on August 02, 2014, 09:56:22 PM
Private and instrument rated, logged over 700 hours thus far, been too busy the last few years to even annual my plane, let alone fly it. but I sure do love flying.   

I learned enough to know, its sure nicer to fly when the weather's nice out than fight mother nature, so now I'm only a fair weather flyer.   
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: bama20a on August 02, 2014, 10:08:30 PM
I hold an PPL,Thats what with my name bama20a,20a is the airport call number  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Piston on August 03, 2014, 04:06:43 PM
A friend of mine is a professional pilot.  He mostly flies private jets but is now working at a commercial airline.  He says the same thing about being a commercial pilot as someone posted, there is very little money in aviation anymore.  It seems it used to be a very well respected career, as well as pretty lucrative, but him and his wife (both pilots) always talk about the relatively low pay they make compared to other careers. 

The exceptions seem to be flying for either FedEx or UPS, which seem like very difficult jobs to get. 
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 14, 2015, 09:51:46 PM
Hello,
Just a follow up on this post. I finally took my written test today. No excuses but I got an 80%. Crazy test made my hair turn gray. The questions I have been studying this week. I don't think I had one question on the test that I was concerned about.

I started this adventure in 2011.

Also did a solo tonight again in a different plane. Cessna 177 Cardinal . I was not sure when the instructor sold the Lark. The Lark would land with a clunk the Cessna lands a lot nicer.

I now have 90 days to do the check ride with the FAA inspector. My hair may fall out by then.

Marty

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 14, 2015, 11:01:39 PM
Good luck, Marty.

I remember when I was going for that first checkride, and every one after that as I got my Instrument Rating, Commercial, and finally CFI (That CFI oral exam and checkride was a doozy!)

I'm sure you'll do fine. Relax and have a good time.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: AK Newbie on August 15, 2015, 02:37:23 AM
Good luck on your check ride.  You can pretty much anticipate most of what he will throw at you.  Practice not only doing the maneuvers but articulating what it is you are doing and why out loud.  The repetition is good for you and the practice will pay off when you get asked during your ride.  I am a PPL with only about 400 hrs so the check ride is still fresh in my memory  ;D. 
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 15, 2015, 08:14:57 AM
AK Newbie makes a good point. Getting used to talk out loud about what you are doing as you are doing it on your check ride displays to the examiner that you have an understanding about what you are doing. It doesn't have to be constant, but a comment as things are happening helps.

For example, during a steep turn, if you notice that you've lost a little altitude, verbalize your correction: "Ok, lost a bit of altitude. I'm rollling out a little bit of my bank, and now easing in some back pressure on the yoke...)

And, RELAX that monster grip on the yoke. A lot of people tend to really clamp on for dear life when they are new at it, or when the pressure is on. Clenching hard on your grip does not help you control the plane better. In fact, it makes it hard to feel what the plane (and you) are doing. It also tires you out quickly. Trimming properly can help keep your grip (and you) relaxed.

The examiner is not trying to fail you. Every one I've been through myself, or seen for one of my students, they want to see you succeed.

On my Commercial check ride, One of the first maneuvers I was asked to do was Steep Turns. I had about 500 hours of PIC time, but I was a lot more nervous than I thought I'd be. I did my clearing turns as I slowed to a few knots below maneuvering speed, added a bit of power as I rolled into a 60˚ bank, trimmed to keep it level, and proceeded to do one of the best steep turns I had ever done in my life. It was like the gauges were nailed in place: rock steady altitude and airspeed, bank stayed EXACTLY where I wanted it. I started to think "hey, this is pretty darn good. I've got this nailed!" I was so impressed with myself that I blew right past my desired rollout heading by more than 30˚. I was thinking "crap! I just failed my checkride on the first maneuver."  I probably said something like "Admin Edit". I just blew it."  The examiner just looked at me and calmly said "would you like to try that again? How about turning to the left this time?"

When I got back on the ground, I thanked him for giving me a break and letting me do the steep turn again. His response was "When you've been doing this as long as I have, you know when someone knows what they are doing and just got a little nervous. Did you forget your rollout heading?"  "Yeah", I responded (I lied. I didn't want to admit to him that I had just gotten cocky and was too busy watching how well it was going and congratulating myself to even remember that I was supposed to roll out of the turn at some point.)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Ron Scott on August 15, 2015, 11:33:33 AM
I still remember my solo flight and check ride in an old Taylorcraft back in 1954 in El Cajon, CA. Had a great instructor who always seemed to keep his cool and gave me a lot of free air time
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 15, 2015, 12:03:09 PM
My private checkride ended with a landing in the strongest crosswind I had landed in up to that time. That amount seems like nothing to me now, but it was a bit hairy for me back then - especially since there was a forest along windward side of the runway, so things got squirrely just as I was about to flare to land. (That landing was probably yet another instance of an examiner cutting me some slack. I guess, as the test standard says "the successful outcome of the maneuver was never in doubt", so I passed.)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 16, 2015, 05:28:38 PM
I enjoy listening to all the stories and information. I really feel I know nothing about flying at this point. Sounds kind of crazy as much as I study. I really have a tough time reading and retaining what I learn or understanding just what I read and what it exactly means. The cross country I did with the instructor was costly but worth every penny because I learned so much in 3 hours and what to do and not to do.
The most scary thing at this point was flying into an airport and listening to the Common traffic no chatter at all. I was doing my calls on every turn.  Started my down wind leg and looked down right below me and there was a Cessna pulling a glider. I could see the pilot in the plane. I was a little freaked. Then we landed and looked up and there were four sky divers landing about 10 min after we did. I asked the instructor what is up with this?  He said this is common. He said you just cant be asleep while flying.  :o

M
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 16, 2015, 06:57:55 PM
Marty - people learn indifferent ways. Some pick things up well from reading. Some from seeing , some from doing. Usually, some combination of the various methods really helps cement things in place.

One of the things I used to recommend for my students who were a little nervous about the check ride was to pick up a copy of the videos (which I guess are now DVDs) that show someone going through a mock check ride. I think King  and Sporty's used to have some good ones. You can probably watch then online these days. Some times seeing it and experiencing things that way can help more than a bunch of book studying
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Magicman on August 16, 2015, 09:36:12 PM
I know nothing about airplanes other than they fly, but I am enjoying reading this thread.   :P
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 25, 2015, 07:14:44 AM
Hello,
  I did my short Cross Country last evening. Destination was KOKV or Winchester, VA. Departed at 6:10 61 miles. Sun was going down fast, back to home 05PS Mill Brothers grass strip 2250' 8:10 pm. Topped of the fuel tanks at Winchester.  A little rushed but no issues. The operator at the terminal signed my log book as Made it alive to Winchester,  VA.  ::)
Long Cross Country on Thursday.
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: beenthere on August 25, 2015, 10:32:13 AM
smiley_thumbsup  smiley_thumbsup 

Here's to some great flying weather on Thursday. Sounds like fun.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: sawguy21 on August 25, 2015, 11:32:30 AM
I am enjoying this thread as I spent a few years in the aviation industry although with helicopters on ground crew. I do enjoy flying.
That experience took me into remote country I never would have seen otherwise. One trip I honestly did not enjoy was to a remote logging camp in a PA-31 Navajo. Things were fine going up but the weather started to close in so we had to make a hasty retreat down the middle of the lake for the return trip.  I was in the right seat, that water looked awfully black and mighty cold. The pilot was top notch but still.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 25, 2015, 08:16:14 PM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/cross_country_August_24_2015.jpg)


Here is a picture on the way home. 3500 ' MSL air strip is at 1180' MSL I am between two mountains I think is was 10 min from the strip.
The small lake is Cowans Gap State Park.
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 25, 2015, 09:29:37 PM
Nice shot, Marty.  Congrats on the XC trip. How did you feel about it as the flight unwound?

For future pictures, if your camera is an auto-focus, see if there is a way to force it into "landscape mode" or focus on infinity (or long distance).  Sometimes the plexiglass in the aircraft windows fool an auto-focus camera into focusing too close.

BTW, what kind if aircraft are you flying (sorry if you already mentioned that. I haven't revisited the beginning of this thread in a while).
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 26, 2015, 08:18:47 AM
Hello,
Cessna 177 Cardinal. 180 hp Lycoming.

I am using the King school. I feel I know John and Martha King personally. They have been a great help for an old guy. I keep watching the videos again and again. I could read the training book but never take in all the info. I cant seem to read and understand and retain. If I watch the video I understand and apply much better.


I am lucky to get the picture taken. Right now I am focusing on flying not taking pictures.  :) I will keep in mind you advice. I do appreciate it.

Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 26, 2015, 08:59:07 AM
I fly a 172 w/ LR tanks that we upgraded to 180 HP.

The Cardinal is a great plane. It's really what Cessna should have restarted with when they got back into single engine prop aircraft again in 1986. Unfortunately, the model got a bad name due to some mis-steps on Cessna's part in the Cardinal's first years (mainly, it was grossly underpowered).  The 180 HP engine is a nice match for it.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 28, 2015, 07:11:09 AM
Hello,
I did my long Cross Country yesterday. Had to wear the fog goggles to imitate flying with instruments with the instructor for about 2 hours. 
With out the instructor at the towered airports landing were not the greatest. I keep flaring a little high.  :-[

I did get to see this at one location.

Marty




 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/Helicopter_above_ground_with_saw_attached.jpg)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/helicopter_and_sawing_trimming.jpg)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: beenthere on August 28, 2015, 09:38:50 AM
I see a plane with a hole in it (missing a wing) and the brush saw combo used for clearing right-of-ways..  Any idea what caused the plane damage?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 28, 2015, 09:40:36 AM
Is that a hole, or just the shadow under the wing?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 29, 2015, 06:05:12 AM
Hello,
I think the picture angle is under the wing. Nothing wrong with the wing.
M
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Randy88 on August 29, 2015, 06:57:29 AM
Glad to hear your enjoying flying, its the greatest thing one can do in my opinion, as for being nervous, that's a good thing, means you thinking and aware of your surroundings, as for learning by watching and not being able to retain what you read, I'm the same way, but I can retain it if I'm read to, your not alone, there are a lot that do it that way.    Do instrument as soon as you can, the more you know and learn the better off you are to stay safe, and if at all possible, get ACTUAL instrument weather with someone trained sitting beside you, that's a ride you'll never forget.   

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Stuart Caruk on August 29, 2015, 04:58:18 PM
I started flying at age 14 in Canada in the air cadets. Learned how to fly in a glider. Went to college when I was 17 and enrolled in the Institute of Aviation at Trinity Western. Had the great fortune to be taught by some VERY experienced pilots who had plied their trade with Mission Aviation Fellowship. Want to learn to really fly a C-180 - C-185.... hop in one with guys that have over 20,000 hours flying them into the most remote bush strips.... We switched aviation providers midway through my course. Skyways where we started used all piper products, and we switched to Langley Flight Center who had all Cessna products so we had to get checked out in an entirely new fleet of aircraft, which cost quite a bit. As a benefit, we had a C-180 donated to the college, and we could get all the dual instruction we wanted for just the price of fuel. Seeing that the experience with top notch instructors was invaluable, I put on about 200 hours in that C-180, going into and out of all the local 1 way strips the wrong way. Traditionally pilots would shoot a landing on some of the short logging strips off the lake by approaching over the water, and landing uphill. 1 way in, and 1 way out. The problem was that if a pilot overshot the strip or it became obstructed they were typically screwed. We learned to fly up the valley slow down and shoot a very steep full flap downhill aproach to the strip. Far more challenging, but with tons of options if you had to go around. The interesting part was in learning how to take off uphill into the rising terrain, but to use the sun, wind, and terrain to your advantage. When the weather was good, we were back flying right up next to the trees in the mountain passes. We learned the easy and smooth places to fly, but also how to fly safely in the nasty downdraft side of the valleys, right up close to the terrain when the weather was good. We learned to turn the aircraft on a dime and make change if needed. The training saved my butt many times when the weather was bad. I was already comfortable working close to the terrain, and knew how to use the winds, and sunlight to my advantage to provide extra room to maneuver. I spent 8 years flying the coast of B.C. and into the NW territories, specializing in operating out of very short strips. It was pretty cool being a young punk kid running a turbine powered Cheyenne into 1200 foot gravel strips. Funny thing is I had over 3800 hours before I was old enough to hold my ATP. I moved form Cnada to the US and flew as a test pilot / Line Captain for a regional airline. I quit after 911 and soem 15,500 hours. I got tired of the hassles of getting past the TSA on a daily basis. It's silly how they treat the crew as if they are criminals.  I always thought the 4 bars on my shoulder meant "This is my aircraft". The TSA apparently thinks they run the show. I alwasy said if you don''t like soemthing, go do soemehing else, so I figured I make more money running my machine shop in a couple months than I did flying in a year and went to running my shop full time. I don't miss it a bit on the sunny days (although I would go back and fly a turbine floatplane for a summer season in a heartbeat). I do miss it when the weather gets miserable in the winter though. I used to relish the 600 RVR departure into a mixed bag of weather with known icing over the cascades. Climbing out so as to avoid the worst weather and slinging ice off the props listening to the symphony of the ice flinging into the ice shields by rows 1 and 2. Breaking out into the glorious sunshine for a few minutes, then shooting an ILS to 1800 RVR and a rain slick runway. Now that was fun! Sadly, I rarely fly anymore. I seem to prefer 2 engines and a flight attendent. But I fly my paraglider and paramotor all the time. No radios, no TSA, no worries...
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 29, 2015, 10:26:11 PM
Hello,
Thanks for sharing Mr. Caruk. Sounds exciting. Are you ready for a student? I really like hearing others talk about their experiences as a pilot.

I flew the cross country today with the instructor again. I just wanted to review the mistakes I made. Nailed all landings like smooth. I asked the instructor to only correct me if I did something incorrect. The tower this time asked me if I wanted to cross the field for R 270 or come in around the mountain for straight in. ( hey it is me, they did not make any mistakes) I understood this and had time to get all the numbers right.  No rush no jitters. The last time the tower just said R 270 cleared to land. ( I had no idea or lots of questions in my mind on what exactly he wanted me to do and there was traffic and the list goes on)
   I burnt some energy off before we did the trip by exercising. I think they call this the human factor and evaluate your personal stress level.  I also did the last leg with the fog goggles we did all the steep turns drills, turns around the point and he guided me into the pattern at the home strip all by command and with the instruments. I learned much on today's trip.
As for getting my instrument rating. At this point I am focusing on my Private Pilot. Hope to take the test next week. The money I saved for this adventure is almost gone. So we will see how it goes.
The last lesson last week we did do a ILS approach with goggles I hope to do this again after I get my license.

Thanks
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 29, 2015, 10:40:31 PM
Turns around a point wearing foggles? That's a visual maneuver.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 30, 2015, 06:15:11 PM
Hello,
the instructor said that was what I was doing. He was giving me headings and change in altitude  I just called it turn around the point because we were flying around the circle or square. He had me counting seconds then turn to heading then count again then turn to the next heading.
Remember I am a rookie.  Sorry if I don't have the exact terminology correct. 
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 30, 2015, 07:49:27 PM
OK, makes sense. I'm a CFI, though not actively instructing at this point. Giving directions to a pilot like that while on instruments is great practice. I was just wondering how you were judging distance and wind drift if you couldn't look outside to see the point. A 180˚ standard rate turn is a standard practice maneuver (simulates flying into trouble, then turning around without disorienting yourself to get back out).

Did he also have you intercepting and tracking a VOR radial or GPS course or similar?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pine on August 30, 2015, 07:58:19 PM
Quote from: John Mc on August 30, 2015, 07:49:27 PM
OK, makes sense. I'm a CFI, though not actively instructing at this point. Giving directions to a pilot like that while on instruments is great practice. I was just wondering how you were judging distance and wind drift if you couldn't look outside to see the point. A 180˚ standard rate turn is a standard practice maneuver (simulates flying into trouble, then turning around without disorienting yourself to get back out).

Did he also have you intercepting and tracking a VOR radial or GPS course or similar?

John

If you are not actively instructing right now what are you using as the most efficacious mode of keeping your CFI current every two years?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on August 31, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Hello,
the instructor is old school. He teaches dead reckoning and maps and VOR heading radials.  He is just starting to use an old Garmin GPS he purchased off of ebay. There is two of these units on the yokes. I used them on my solo cross country. On my CC both gps stopped working about three times there was also times it was not working at all. I was never lost and kept right on my heading with the VOR.  I am using VOR radials heading to and from the stations. I am also using Sky Vector for flight planning. and I have my IPAD and phone with lots of info. I am learning the old way. I have new technology I have access to.  I plan on purchasing some other things for back up for trips in the future. I am just not sure what is the best and affordable from what I am doing. I looked at the Stratus 2S.
I do like the VOR heading indicator but it sounds like aviation is headed to all I Pad and GPS. If everything electrical fails I will still know how to figure headings, magnetic variation and wind and get where I need to go.  It sure is nice to have the technology.
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Stuart Caruk on August 31, 2015, 05:15:34 PM
Hahahah I remember the old foggles days... I also remember Jake Wolk scaring the crap, out of me with his instructions. Jake was a crotchety old buzzard who occasionally got bored while teaching us for our instrument ratings. Jake was an old time water bomber pilot and had a wicked sense of humor. He'd slap a hood on your head and give you vectors for some made up NDB approach to go fly.

During the vectors it became apparent that something was burning and the stench was unbearable. I'd call out the smoke in the cockpit drill, and Jake would just laugh and exhale a puff of smoke from his cheap cigars into the cockpit. It was bad enough that you could almost skip the foggles...

Un beknownst to me, Jake would be vectoring me up some blind canyon off the end of Pitt Lake, or Harrison lake. He'd have me right off the rocks in soem hopeless position and then go "O/K take off the hood kid lets go home"... I'd pop off the hood only to see rocks in all quadrants with no sane way back out. JAke would cackle and point out the eagles nest as he'd have me slow the warrior down, crank on 40 degrees of bank, pop on full flaps to swing the nose through the turn with full flaps at minimum speed, and bleed the flaps back off. I'd be amazed at how much room we actually had to turn back around.... way more than I thought it would take. Good old Jake would ask if I saw the nest and when I said no, he'd have me swing back in for another look... We went in and out half a dozen times and each time I couldn't find the next... not surprising, I found out later that it never existed. Jake did teach me though how to project the turning radius of an aircraft and to know exactly how much room it takes to turn around if you really need to. Once you prefect a canyon turn in an aircraft with manual flaps, it really takes very, very little room to come back around.

Turns out that years later that skill came in handy many times flying pipeline patrols in greatly reduced visibility. Knowing what distance you can positively turn around in is mandatory in crappy weather. Knowing how to go from cruis to turning on a dime is a great skill to possess as well...

It's funny when I look back. We flew the coast with nothing but steam guages. Staying VFR was the secret to flying in the crappy weather, even if it meant flying at 100' or so. Flying IFR meant going to Vancouver, Port Hardy or Terrace to shoot and approach and continue to your destination VFR, or shooting one of the many made up NDB approaches to soem isolated inlet backed up with the weather radar used as a terrain mapping device. I'd have killed for a Loran, which was just becoming available. Compare that to what we have now.... man is life good today.

On the flip side, it's much easier to find the wrecks today. They almost always crash in a straight line from departure to destination, not some crazy off course route that the pilot was attempting in order to stay pseudo VFR.

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on August 31, 2015, 07:43:29 PM
Quote from: pine on August 30, 2015, 07:58:19 PM
If you are not actively instructing right now what are you using as the most efficacious mode of keeping your CFI current every two years?

I had been using an online Jeppesen Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC). I think this as done in collaboration with AOPA, if I recall. It was a great course. It took a lot of time and a lot of work, but I felt really up to speed when I finished.

Some time ago, AOPA dropped Jepp and changed over to collaborating with the Air Safety Institute. It was an incredible disappointment. Basically just a "pencil-whipped" renewal. I didn't learn much of anything, the answers to many of the test questions were often obvious, or could be arrived at with simple logic rather than any real knowledge or understanding of the subject matter (there wss often one answer that was just plain stupid, and two others that said the same thing in a different way - they couldn't both be right, so eliminate both of them). I was also quite dismayed to see the frequency of typos or grammatical errors, and the like (I thought it was especially ironic to find them in the section on "professionalism"). OK, everyone makes mistakes now and then, but this was supposed to be a finished, professional product.

In short, if all you want is a quick way to show your license renewed, this might be a good choice. If you actually want to learn something or get a thorough refresh, forget it. I sent them a letter with my observations, and got back a form letter response. Hopefully, they'll fix the glaring errors and turn it into something worthwhile. However, I'll be shopping around for another provider next time.

I'd love to take an in-person FIRC, but there are few in my area, and my schedule never seems to work out.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: garret on September 03, 2015, 05:54:15 AM
Commercial SEL and Inst. Airplane.  Try to maintain my proficiency by flying at least one a week for a couple of hours.  Almost finished my Instructor rating.  Instead moved into rotorcraft.  Got my private privileges in helicopter just last year.  To hover IS divine! (and expensive)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on September 08, 2015, 07:40:12 AM
Hello,
   Check ride on Thursday!  :o  Still working on the landing flair. Gosh I am not a natural at the landing thing. Saturday I did a purpose landing at the home strip 05PS. Gosh I hope no one saw it. Full flaps and just a few seconds to quick on the flair and 4 mph to fast will do it.  I then went on a short solo CC trip to the check ride location KSEG. Did two landings with no issues. Lots of traffic in the pattern and it all worked out. Landing back at home was also good to great.  Practice, practice , practice.
Do you experts have any tips? You can laugh at me if you want.
Now trying to cram all this information in my head for the test. If I don't freak out during the test I should be fine. I have three hours with the instructor this week before the test.
M
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on September 08, 2015, 09:24:02 AM
The biggest thing I had to learn for the landing flair was patience. It was the same for several of my students. They'd level off, and immediately start pulling back on the yoke to flair. This would often result in flaring too high, or (especially if you have any extra speed) ballooning back up again, only to drop like a rock.

It seems to take a while to develop the feeling for letting the aircraft "settle in" a bit before really starting the flare, and as you do flare, add just enough back pressure to counter the sinking as you slow down. It's about responding to what the plane is doing, rather than just pointing the nose up in the air.

The other thing I kept reminding my students: RELAX! that "monster grip" on the yoke is NOT helping you. In fact, with all of those muscles tensed up, it's harder to make fine corrections, and it's harder to feel/sense what is going on (not just with your hands/arms, the monster grip seems to affect your entire body). Try this: grab a pencil and a pad of paper, put your non-writing hand in your lap, not on the table, both sign and print your name (you may need a weight or something to hold your paper still). Now grab that pencil like your life depended on it. Tense up your entire arm - hard. In fact, tense up both arms as hard as you can hold it that way for 15 seconds. Keeping things tense, sign your name, and print your name. Look at the difference in handwriting, both the formation of the letters and the evenness of the pressure. Which has better control? Which took more brain power to make happen? And that's with something you've been doing every day for most of your life. The effect is magnified with something that is not second nature to you.

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on September 09, 2015, 04:30:02 PM
Hello,
Went on a trip today. 2.2 hours. Ground school also.   I do have a death grip on the yoke. The instructor was pumping me up today. Said I was doing good. We did 12 + landings.  1 out of 12 was not so good the rest was ok. I think the instructor was getting tired or going around the pattern.  We also did Fog goggles. Slow flight, Stalls, Steep turns 45 degree + g factor not loosing more or less and 100'. Patience, Patience . Relax, Relax, Relax. I have all my papers ready for tomorrow. Weather for tomorrow is showers. 

Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on September 09, 2015, 04:40:26 PM
Good luck with it, Marty. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on September 13, 2015, 12:59:59 PM
Hello,
Check ride was canceled on Thursday. I did take it Friday. It went well until I made an error on soft field take off . I went up to the hold short line. Put in 10 degree flaps. Stopped decided that was not correct. Put in full flaps   hit the throttle as you know that was the end of the check ride. I am very very thankful I did not do this and hurt my self or others. Two lessons, Use the Check List provided in the POH. Second lesson never ever try to take off under full flaps and as a bonus I understand why. I also understand when in a landing configuration and decide to do a Balk landing or go a around that full flaps need to be removed, slowly and why!
As you know when in full flaps and full throttle the tail slammed the runway and the check ride was over.
I am hoping I can ask the CFI if I can get one hour lesson. I still am unsure about the flair on landing.  I am working on my emotions because I have to many things I am not real sure about.
After the test my instructor and I did 5 more touch and go at that field. I am also not clear on the constant rpm prop. I am learning.

Just like anything else you need to have a operators manual, understand how to read it. Don't be afraid to use it when unsure . Have a check list, if anything is not correct as the check list says. Fix it or find out from others why. Don't rely on memory. The CFI asked me right before I hit the throttle if he could see the check list. HINT! I did look at it for a second. It said nothing about Soft Field take off. ( Same as performance take off or close). His advice and clear recommendation was to USE Your CHECK LIST always don't ever rely on memory even if you have done it a thousand times before today.

I hope this helps us all!



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/image~29.jpg) 

 

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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/image~28.jpg)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: plowboyswr on September 13, 2015, 04:59:52 PM
I am by no means a pilot but I did get a chance to fly.  One of the ladies at work got cancer and as a fundraiser they raffled off some donated items one of which was a plane ride with lunch for three people. I ended up winning it, took my wife and oldest daughter.  The owner of the plane is a coworker and he picked us up at a little grass strip of a neighbor's. About 10 minutes into our flight Bryan looks at me and says," are you ready to fly this thing?" I of course said NO!  He then said ,"well you're going to have to because I have to take pictures." He then lets go of the controls and reaches for his camera, yep I instantly grabbed the controls thinking we were about to die all while Bryan is laughing like a mad man. I then realized that we were in no danger. He then started telling me how to watch the heading and the altitude. I then flew us to our destination where he landed us and we had a good meal and he flew us home. Had a good time


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/28346/IMG_79393592453930.jpeg)


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/28346/IMG_79397371018381.jpeg) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/28346/IMG_79378663620921.jpeg)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on September 13, 2015, 08:00:13 PM
Sorry to hear it, Marty. Some examiners will give you credit for things already done correctly when you retake the exam. Also, you know what to expect now, which should help a bit with the nerves.

I had forgotten about the constant speed prop in the Cardinal. That's one more thing for a student pilot to take in - and one of the reasons the 150/152 and 172 were so popular for training aircraft - one less thing to maintain, and one less thing for a student to learn. (As mentioned earlier, I own a 172, converted to 180 HP. I tdo think the 180HP Cardinals are nicer aircraft, but it's a bit more to learn.)

John Mc
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on October 25, 2015, 09:18:05 AM
Hello,
Tomorrow is retest day. Looks like the weather will be good.
I was out two weeks ago to take the test in some wind. 17 - 25 mph  It was a good thing the examiner was not expecting me. ( Long Story)
The ride home was exciting to say the least. All went well on the trip. I am feeling a little more comfortable being PIC. ( Pilot In Command)
The examiner was discussing Bold Pilots and Old pilots with me before I departed the airport.  His statement that there are no Old Bold Pilots.    He had my attention.

He asked me if I was capable of making a safe trip back.

On the trip back I did see the Air Speed indicator bounce in the yellow a few times when the wind gust would come against the plane. There was also air coming in around the doors at times.

Thanks
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on October 25, 2015, 11:26:38 AM
So by this point, I assume you are familiar with the concept of maneuvering speed, and slowing to at or below that speed in turbulent air.  Also note that maneuvering speed goes DOWN the more lightly loaded you are. Not sure if the examiner will expect a student pilot to know that level of detail. Some of the manuals just give one speed - assuming you are loaded up to the max gross weight, others have a table with different speeds.

Another aviation saying for you, useful when you are debating about whether the conditions are good enough to fly:  It's better to be on the ground, wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air, wishing you were on the ground.

Good luck with the check ride, Marty. Stick with it. Most examiners are not looking to fail you, and your experience with him giving you a little hint is not unusual. It's OK to stop and look at a checklist to remind yourself of the proper procedure - especially when you are still sitting on the ground.  The stuff you really ought to have memorized are the emergency procedures - things like best glide speed, the sequence to go through in an engine out or fire, etc.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pine on October 25, 2015, 11:39:20 AM
Good luck tomorrow Marty.  You will do fine.  Take a deep breath and breathe.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on October 25, 2015, 03:55:56 PM
QuoteIt's better to be on the ground, wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air, wishing you were on the ground.

When I arrived I fueled up the plane before the test. He was there and waiting for me to finish. He came up and said I did not know you would be here. ? I said I think I have the date correct. I got the phone out and showed him the text he sent me.
I said no big deal. I got out of the office and had a good trip. He then said do you want to review anything? I said I am like a sponge. We went into the lounge and he was reviewing the statements you have above and the other statement.
I asked him how many times he was involved in a incident. He told me a story about hitting an Bald Eagle and it smashing the exhaust shut on the engine. I think he said this was just this year.
Again long story with a good ending.  I understand it could of had different results with out his experience on what to do in emergency situations. The engine would idle and had no power.

Va 2500# 102KIAS  2100#  93KIAS 1700# 83KIAS

I wish I could say I fully understand this. I am aware of this.

When turning final to land on the 2200 ' strip with the wind sock blowing down 24. There are also trees right at the end and a road. ( preferred landing is on 6) so I did not have much experience coming in over the trees and dropping in to land. My approach was high and little faster than normal ( my theory was if I need to do go around or chose another  location to land I could)  Full flaps and everything worked out as expected bleed the speed off and a nice landing with out even a bump. Lots of runway left.
Not sure if this was bold. I am sure the performance of the plane was within range. Not sure if the pilot experience was enough.
I was praying on down wind.



Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: edkemper on October 25, 2015, 10:40:29 PM
I've been watching the ads for the new movie about Frances Gary Powers when he was shot down in the then highest flying jet. He survived getting shot down, jailed as a spy and then traded for another prisoner so he could return to the U.S.

Many years later, he flew out of San Fernando Valley (Southern CA) for a news station. He died when he ran out of fuel and crashed into a plowed field. He thought he was going to make it home.

Often, the new pilots are the safest. Have fun.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on October 27, 2015, 03:43:46 PM
Hello,
It has been determined that I meet the performance standards set forth by the FAA to become a Private pilot in a Single Engine Land category.

Thanks for the encouragement!

I started this journey in 2011.

I did pass the test today.

It does not mean studying and learning is over. It really has just begun.

As Jason Schappert from MzeroA states.  "A good pilot is always learning."


Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Magicman on October 27, 2015, 03:55:04 PM
Congratulations my Friend.   8)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on October 27, 2015, 04:25:35 PM
Way to go Marty. Now you can "fly off the handle" too.  :D
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on October 27, 2015, 06:11:09 PM
Congrats, Marty!  Have fun with it.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pine on October 27, 2015, 08:38:12 PM
Good show Marty.  :)
Glad all went well.
Welcome to the ranks of the "certificated pilot". 
May many more ratings be in your future and much fun and enjoyment.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pineywoods on October 27, 2015, 09:02:17 PM
Congratulations sir. Now set yourself a goal to fly into the Oshkosh, Wi airport during the last week of July. It's an experience like no other anywhere...
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: sandhills on October 27, 2015, 10:42:30 PM
Congratulations Marty!
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on October 28, 2015, 02:41:00 PM
Hello,
QuoteNow set yourself a goal to fly into the Oshkosh, Wi airport during the last week of July.

What is Oshkosh?   I need to do a search.

Thanks for the thumbs up.

Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Magicman on October 28, 2015, 05:16:51 PM
QuoteI need to do a search
Yes you do.   :P
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Ron Scott on October 28, 2015, 05:27:12 PM
Well done!
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: beenthere on October 28, 2015, 05:36:33 PM
Oshkosh... EAA

http://www.eaa.org/en/airventure
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on October 28, 2015, 07:19:13 PM
Airventue (a.k.a. Oshkosh) is the worlds largest gathering of general aviation aircraft. As a pilot, it's something you ought to experience at least once.

However, I would not recommend trying to fly in there durning then main event as a relatively new pilot. Consider bringing along another highly experienced pilot with you or fly into another airport in the area and take the shuttle to Osh. (I think it was Fon du Lax that I flew in to - set up a tent under my wing and slept there)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Magicman on October 28, 2015, 09:21:09 PM
Airplane Time (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,51809.msg747017.html#msg747017)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: flyboy16101 on October 31, 2015, 08:30:30 PM
Congrats Marty!
I started flying in 2006 but ran out of money before 2007 😒 and before I could finish my license. But after high school a friend of the family talked me into joining the Air Force and after a couple years of haing no idea where I was going or what I was doing my they made me a flight engineer on a C-130h. Now I get to fly around and look at all the wood lots and sawmills in the area and they even pay me for it 😀
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on October 31, 2015, 09:18:43 PM
Thanks Flyboy,

I was looking at your age!   And you are in Pennsylvania!  We also love Farmall we use a Farmall 300 everyday!

Now if we could work something out with the C130. I could load with equipment and not have so much windshield time.
Can you land that C130 on a 2200' grass strip? Just thinking about a short field take off fully loaded?  :o With a 50" OBS
I looked it up and found this story.

http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/alford/a833/

Marty

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: AK Newbie on October 31, 2015, 09:21:24 PM
Congrats Marty nicely done!
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: pineywoods on November 01, 2015, 12:00:09 AM
Quote from: John Mc on October 28, 2015, 07:19:13 PM
Airventue (a.k.a. Oshkosh) is the worlds largest gathering of general aviation aircraft. As a pilot, it's something you ought to experience at least once.

However, I would not recommend trying to fly in there durning then main event as a relatively new pilot. Consider bringing along another highly experienced pilot with you or fly into another airport in the area and take the shuttle to Osh. (I think it was Fon du Lax that I flew in to - set up a tent under my wing and slept there)

Agreed, every pilot should experience it if possible. Actually, it's not as hairy as you would think, just different. Experience ain't much help, the book goes out the window, replace by a lot of common sense. Radio proceedures are short and simple. More experienced pilots who are "set in their ways" are usually the ones who have problems. Just mind boggling to see  8 or more short approaches going on simultaneously.  Sandwich a few departures into that mix and it is truly "different". The advice I got was 3 short statements...Monitor the tower radio, do what you are told, don't do nothing stupid... Some traffic gets diverted to Fondulac and Appleton, but it's not because of the traffic density, they litterally run out of parking space for 10,000 airplanes..You can buy audio tapes containing 30 minutes or so of the tower chatter, listening to that is an education in itself.In one of the classic segments, the tower says" J3 just touching down on 27, left turn off the runway into the grass NOW, there's a barron touching down right behind you.
The fun really starts when you get parked and tied down...Don't even think about a 1 day trip...
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: flyboy16101 on November 01, 2015, 08:16:30 AM
Marty, 2200 ft is a possibility maybe we can work something out how much would you give me on trade for an lt40 super?
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on November 01, 2015, 08:44:07 AM
Quote from: pineywoods on November 01, 2015, 12:00:09 AM
Agreed, every pilot should experience it if possible. Actually, it's not as hairy as you would think, just different. Experience ain't much help, the book goes out the window, replace by a lot of common sense.

It's not the understanding of the procedures that concerns me with a low-time pilot. It's the ability to do spot landings in what can be a high-stress situation. Someone with just a couple dozen hours in their logbook after getting their certificate has likely not been exposed to much, and sometimes just flying the plane can lead to information overload. If it's still taking all your concentration to pull off a smooth landing (for example) when you are out on your own, then you ought to be bringing along some help the first time you try to land at Osh when it's in full swing. Pulling off a spot landing as a new pilot is one thing. Pulling it off when there is an aircraft ahead of you and one behind you all landing simultaneously on the same runway can be quite distracting (even if the runway is 3+ times as long as what you are used to).

When I flew in to Fon du Lac, I was late enough in the event that there were no spots left at Oshkosh. I wanted a place to camp by the plane, and appreciated the (relative) quiet of Fon du Lac after tromping around Osh all day. As a bonus, Fon du Lac had demo rides in Gyrocopters going on, so I got my 0.4 hours of rotorcraft time in early one evening.

Some years later, I flew out with one of my former flight students who wanted the Osh experience. I let him do as much as he could handle, and was just there for the times that he was getting overloaded. He didn't need much help from me, but he did say that having an extra pair of eyes, and someone to step in if needed lowered the stress level for him - which made it easier for him to handle as much as he did.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Theo on December 06, 2015, 06:36:15 PM
I am also an pilot since 2010

I have an Piper Colt that I import from USA  N553Z  now C-GTOH in Canada

Keep inside in an hangar at Valcourt Airport CSQ3  in Quebec Canada

My local airport is just 5 miles from my Ranch 

futur goal is to make my trips to Ohio with my plane,, but I guess I will need some more experience to cross US border and maybe an faster plane (Cherokee is my target)

Theo

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on December 06, 2015, 06:46:26 PM
Theo -

Where in Ohio are you planning on going? I used to live in NW Ohio (Fostoria, south of Toledo). A favorite flight was to Put-In-Bay or Kelly's Island, two islands in the west end of Lake Erie.

I made the trip into Canada a couple of times. It's a bit nerve-wracking the first couple of times, wondering if I'd screw something up and bring down the wrath of Customs and Border Patrol. I found that the folks at AOPA and their online resources were very helpful in figuring out how to do international border crossing in a private aircraft.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Theo on December 09, 2015, 07:41:15 PM
Hello

I deal with Amish (with my haflinger horses) close to Wooster ohio   (Wayne County)

first step to an fly in US is cleat border, so land in an big airport like Burlington VT or Watertown NY

Would also like to fly to local airport when I go see Hud-Son forest equipment ,, again need clear the borther first  :-\

I have no big experience fly in high controled zone

Theo
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on December 09, 2015, 08:51:54 PM
Theo -

Talk to the folks at the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (https://www.copanational.org/) (COPA). They've got some write-ups about cross-border operations. You have to be a member to get access to their best stuff.

The best suggestion I have for you is to have another pilot along with you who has done the boarder crossing before. Even better, find a flight instructor to go with you and turn it into an extended lesson on international operations.

I live about 20 miles south of the Burlington Airport. As tower controlled airports go, it's not particularly intimidating. In Vermont, Newport (KEFK) and Franklin County (KFSO) airports have customs facilities available on an "on-call" basis, and neither of those airports have control towers. I have no idea how much it might cost to have a customs agent meet you there.

Watertown, NY airport is non-towered, and I believe has customs facilities open 7 days a week. You may find that less intimidating than dealing with Burlington's control tower, if you are not used to controlled airports.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on January 07, 2016, 09:11:23 AM
Theo -

I just got this link in an email from Pilot Workshops with an overview of what you need to know when crossing the border from the US into Canada (and back). It may be helpful.
http://www.pilotworkshop.com/tips/pilot_crossing_canada.htm (http://www.pilotworkshop.com/tips/pilot_crossing_canada.htm)

My recollection from 10 or more years ago was that AOPA had much more in-depth information on their website, but I haven't looked at it in quite some time.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: sandhills on January 07, 2016, 10:09:28 AM
Sorry I can't help a bit with the flying but sure would like to hear more about the halflingers, maybe in a new thread?  :)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Theo on January 12, 2016, 07:05:56 PM
Yes I own Grison Haflinger, and have sold over 500 Haflinger horses the last 25 years

Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: timberlinetree on January 13, 2016, 05:36:16 AM
Not a pilot but worked at the airport. Made it to lead marshel for parking planes and did many other things. I liked warming my hands in the winter while chaulking the plane. That air start unit was really neat. It was really nice to sit in a brand new 757. We mostly loaded DC 8's. It was a fun job while in high school. The two things I remember most are:

Durning the summer when thunder storms hit JFK planes got diverted to our airport. You could tell by the line of big planes coming in(747,L10-11 and the CONCORD). Saw it twice and once almost crash. An L10-11 just landed and was still on the runway as the CONCORD was on approach. I can will see the glow from the engines when he floored it and went back up. That was something!

My little clam to fame was helping to end the cold war. Russia had a bad earthquake and I helped load the plane with relief supplies. On of my jobs that day was to stick Amria-cares stickers everywhere for the TV crews. It was the first relief plane to Russia showing the world we care and thus ending the cold war.( at lease that's the way I saw it).
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Coffee_Creek on January 22, 2016, 05:10:23 PM
been doing it since 1979, built a RV-9A, still flying it, flown across the US several times.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on May 31, 2016, 08:11:22 AM
Hello,
    Got a chance to get out. First trip to a destination with Lisa. Lunch Date.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/13340258_10207720424906192_410551186478252336_o__FIrst_date_in_Cardinal_to_Altoona.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1464696278)

Lots of big white clouds forming when we arrived at the airport. We did not hang around long. Real black to the West when we were doing our departure.
Little rain on the windshield. 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/13305100_10207720809075796_4717631491996167062_o__racing_rain_home_.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1464696248)

Thanks
Marty
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Hiway40frank on May 31, 2016, 09:15:19 AM
Both me and my dad are, he got his ppl when he was only 15. Havent touched a plane in years, flying is a very expensive hobbie.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: MartyParsons on September 04, 2018, 05:50:27 PM
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/BEFD5278-3411-4EA5-B8F6-D0B5DCAC0D0C.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1536097321)


1979 182 Q.  Owner I rent from keeps selling the airplanes, which keeps me learning. Working on ILS approaches and talking to flight service.  Thankful for ANR head set.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/73825FCF-C1C6-48AD-BEB4-AA2E4F23B707.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1536097405)


Fog in Path Valley Pennsylvania.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/021ABBA2-0C71-4A67-8598-23C63D18B117.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1536097397)
 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11823/57510F3E-4680-45EC-B917-CB0E9923D58E.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1536097314)
 

Not on my list. Jumping out of a perfect airworthy airplane?  Mifflin County Airport.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Foxfarm on September 12, 2018, 10:58:14 AM
 Wow
Where does the time go? Started my lessons with my dad in a 1946 Aeronca Chief on skis when I was thirteen. Got my license when I turned eighteen. Bought my first airplane when I was nineteen it was a 1946 Aeronca Champ on floats, skis and wheels. Sold it in 1992 so my dad and I could partner up in a 1967 Cessna 185 (the one in the picture.) To date I have logged over 1200 hours in that old 185 and have over 1800 hours total time. I have a saying
(anybody can get a pilot license but only certain people love to fly) Thanks for putting up with my trip down memory lane.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/25717/064.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1536762092)
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: woodshax on September 13, 2018, 07:14:44 AM
I don't know how these things stay in the air...their wings don't even spin around to keep them aloft.  If you are not beating the air into submission, you are not having fun.  If they are not shooting at you, you are not really scared.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: SawyerTed on September 14, 2018, 09:05:17 AM
It's been 15 or so years since I got my PPL.  Flew a Cessna 150 and 172. Decided those things were like jon boats of the air, too small to suit me.  The children were getting ready for college and the expense of moving to anything larger prevented me from continuing.  I miss it sometimes.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on September 14, 2018, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: SawyerTed on September 14, 2018, 09:05:17 AM
It's been 15 or so years since I got my PPL.  Flew a Cessna 150 and 172. Decided those things were like jon boats of the air, too small to suit me.  The children were getting ready for college and the expense of moving to anything larger prevented me from continuing.  I miss it sometimes.
We haven't been flying our Cessna 172 enough lately to justify owning it. We've talked about selling, but my wife (also a pilot) and I know that once we do, we'll most likely never own another plane, so we have resisted so far. I've kept up my Flight Instructor's Certificate on the chance that one or both of my kids will be interested in learning, but I am not instructing actively at this time.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: woodshax on September 14, 2018, 01:17:23 PM
My last flight was 2005 in Iraq.....I miss it,   Heck I was born when my dad was going through Army helicopter flight training in Texas and that is all I ever did growing up......can't pass the commercial flight physical and renting is too *DanG expensive
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Ron Scott on September 14, 2018, 06:40:20 PM
 
Soloed in a 1941 Taylor craft in El Cajon, CA in 1954. Loved this Mooney Mite.(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/IMG_1053.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1536964499)
 
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on September 15, 2018, 10:37:11 AM
Is that you in the plane Ron?
Pretty neat!
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: Ron Scott on September 16, 2018, 08:58:06 PM
Yes, many years ago. Had my private license and use to fly quite a bit.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: dogone on September 23, 2018, 12:57:46 AM
  I have been a crop duster and bush pilot. Owned an ag-wagon and a beaver. Didn't fly for years but recently bought a c170 with 180 hp convert and wheel skis. There was money to be made in the dusting business but floatplane work has really dropped off here. Just enjoy flying around looking out the window and taking friends up.
Title: Re: Any other pilots out there
Post by: John Mc on September 23, 2018, 07:48:48 AM
One of these days, I'm going to have to fly out to one of the Pig roasts. If there is an airport close enough, maybe I'll give some rides and/or take some of the pilots who have been away from it for a while up for a flight.